A Novel Digital Educational Strategy Improves Treatment Adherence and Quality of Life in Patients with Multiple Myeloma.

Multiple myeloma, the second most common hematologic malignancy worldwide, is an aggressive disease with high morbidity and mortality rates. Although myeloma remains incurable, new treatments have improved patients' life expectancy and quality of life. However, as these therapies are administered for prolonged and often indefinite periods, their success depends on high treatment adherence and significant patient engagement. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a novel digital educational strategy on treatment adherence, quality of life, and the development of complications in patients with newly diagnosed myeloma. To this end, a two-arm, randomized, prospective, double-blind study was conducted to compare the conventional educational approach alone or combined with the novel digital strategy. This strategy was based on some principles of the Persuasive Systems Design model and incorporated the educational recommendations of patients and caregivers. Compared to the control group that only received information through the conventional educational approach, patients randomized to the digital strategy showed significantly higher treatment adherence and quality of life, associated with increased functionality and rapid reincorporation into daily routines. The digital strategy empowered patients and caregivers to understand the disease and therapeutic options and helped patients recall treatment information and implement healthy lifestyle habits. These results support that patient-targeted educational strategies can positively influence treatment adherence and thus improve their quality of life.

Real-life use of ramucirumab in gastric cancer in Spain: the RAMIS study.

Aims: To obtain real-world data on ramucirumab use and effectiveness for the treatment of advanced gastric cancer (AGC) or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (GEJ). Methods: Observational, retrospective study carried out in 20 Spanish hospitals, in patients who started ramucirumab treatment between December 2015 and December 2018. Descriptive analysis was conducted for patient characteristics, treatment patterns and effectiveness outcomes. Results: Three hundred seventeen patients were included (93.7% treated with ramucirumab-paclitaxel and 6.3% with ramucirumab); age 62.5 (11.3) years; 66.9% male. Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 3.9 months (95% CI: 3.4-4.3) and 7.4 (95% CI: 6.4-8.9) in combination regimen and 2.0 (1.1-2.8) and 4.3 (95% CI: 1.9-7.3) in monotherapy, respectively. Conclusion: The study findings were consistent with available real-world studies and randomized clinical trials.

Prognostic factors for survival with nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine in metastatic pancreatic cancer in real-life practice: the ANICE-PaC study.

BACKGROUND: Treatment with nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine increases survival in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. However, the assessment of treatment efficacy and safety in non-selected patients in a real-life setting may provide useful information to support decision-making processes in routine practice. METHODS: Retrospective, multicenter study including patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer, who started first-line treatment with nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine between December 2013 and June 2015 according to routine clinical practice. In addition to describing the treatment pattern, overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were assessed for the total sample and the exploratory subgroups based on the treatment and patients' clinical characteristics. RESULTS: All 210 eligible patients had a median age of 65.0 years (range 37-81). Metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma was recurrent in 46 (21.9%) patients and de novo in 164 (78.1%); 38 (18%) patients had a biliary stent. At baseline, 33 (18.1%) patients had an ECOG performance status ≥2. Patients received a median of four cycles of treatment (range 1-21), with a median duration of 3.5 months; 137 (65.2%) patients had a dose reduction of nab-paclitaxel and/or gemcitabine during treatment, and 33 (17.2%) discontinued treatment due to toxicity. Relative dose intensity (RDI) for nab-paclitaxel, gemcitabine, and the combined treatment was 66.7%. Median OS was 7.2 months (95% CI 6.0-8.5), and median PFS was 5.0 months (95% CI 4.3-5.9); 50 patients achieved either a partial or complete response (ORR 24.6%). OS was influenced by baseline ECOG PS, NLR and CA 19.9, but not by age ≥ 70 years and/or the presence of hepatobiliary stent or RDI < 85%. All included variables, computed as dichotomous, showed a significant contribution to the Cox regression model to build a nomogram for predicting survival in these patients: baseline ECOG 0-1 vs. 2-3 (p = 0.030), baseline NLR > 3 vs. ≤ 3 (p = 0.043), and baseline CA 19.9 > 37 U/mL vs. ≤37 U/mL (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Nab-Paclitaxel plus gemcitabine remain effective in a real-life setting, despite the high burden of dose reductions and poorer performance of these patients. A nomogram to predict survival using baseline ECOG performance status, NLR and CA 19.9 is proposed.

Biweekly cetuximab in combination with FOLFOX-4 in the first-line treatment of wild-type KRAS metastatic colorectal cancer: final results of a phase II, open-label, clinical trial (OPTIMIX-ACROSS Study).

BACKGROUND: This phase II study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of biweekly cetuximab in combination with oxaliplatin, leucovorin, and fluorouracil (FOLFOX-4) as first-line treatment of metastatic wild-type KRAS colorectal cancer. METHODS: Previously untreated patients with wild-type KRAS tumours received biweekly cetuximab (500 mg/m2 on day 1) plus FOLFOX-4 (oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2 on day 1, leucovorin 200 mg/m2 on days 1 and 2, and fluorouracil as a 400 mg/m2 bolus followed by a 22-hour 600 mg/m2 infusion on day 1 and 2). Treatment was continued until disease progression, onset of unacceptable toxicities, metastases surgery, or discontinuation request. The primary endpoint was ORR. RESULTS: The intention-to-treat population included 99 patients with a median age of 64.1 years (range, 34-82). The ORR was 60.6% (95% CI, 50.3% to 70.3%). The median follow-up was 17.8 months; the median OS and PFS were 20.8 and 10.1 months, respectively. Metastases from colorectal cancer were surgically resected in 26 (26.3%) patients, with complete resection achieved in 18 (69.2%) patients. Median PFS and OS in patients undergoing metastatic resection were 12.6 and 29.5 months, respectively. The most common grade 3-4 toxicities were neutropenia (32.3%), acne-like rash (15.2%) and diarrhoea (11.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of the biweekly combination of cetuximab with FOLFOX-4 in patients with wild-type KRAS tumours supports the administration of cetuximab in a dosing regimen more convenient for patients and healthcare providers. The activity of the biweekly administration is similar to what has been reported for the weekly regimen. Reported toxicity was also consistent with the known toxicity profile of weekly cetuximab. TRIAL REGISTRATION: EudraCT Number 200800690916.

Intracranial Phosphaturic Mesenchymal Tumors: A Systematic Literature Review of a Rare Entity.

BACKGROUND: Phosphaturic Mesenchymal Tumors (PMTs) are rare mesenchymal neoplasms known for producing Tumor-induced Osteomalacia (TIO). TIO is an uncommon paraneoplastic syndrome characterized by radiographic evidence of inadequate bone mineralization and analytical abnormalites. METHODS: We sought to present a case of TIO caused by skull base PMT with intracranial extension, manifesting with pain, progressive weakness, and multiple bone fractures. Furthermore, a systematic review was performed, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. A search was conducted in PubMed database with title/abstract keywords "Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor" and "Osteomalacia." Search results were reviewed looking for intracranial or skull base tumors. RESULTS: Our systematic review included 29 reported cases of intracranial PMT. In the reviewed cases there was a significative female predominance with 22 cases (75,86%). Osteomalacia was presented in 25 cases (86,20%). Bone fractures were present in 10 cases (34,48%). The most common site of involvement was the anterior cranial fossa in 14 cases (48,27%). Surgery was performed in 27 cases (93,10%) with previous tumor embolization in 4 cases (13,79%). Total recovery of the presenting symptoms in the first year was achieved in 21 cases (72,41%). Recurrence of the disease was described in 6 cases (25%). CONCLUSIONS: Skull base PMTs with intracranial extension are extremely rare tumors. Most patients are middle-aged adults with a PMT predominantly located in anterior cranial fossa. Surgery is the current treatment of choice with optimal outcome at 1-year follow-up, although recurrence could be present in almost 25% of the cases.

Patients Age 40 Years and Younger With Multiple Myeloma Have the Same Prognosis as Older Patients: An Analysis of Real-World Patients' Evidence From Latin America.

PURPOSE: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a highly heterogeneous, incurable disease most frequently diagnosed in the elderly. Therefore, data on clinical characteristics and outcomes in the very young population are scarce. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed clinical characteristics, response to treatment, and survival in 103 patients with newly diagnosed MM age 40 years or younger compared with 256 patients age 41-50 years and 957 patients age 51 years or older. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences in sex, isotype, International Scoring System, renal involvement, hypercalcemia, anemia, dialysis, bony lesions, extramedullary disease, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The most used regimen in young patients was cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, dexamethasone, followed by cyclophosphamide, thalidomide, dexamethasone and bortezomib, thalidomide, dexamethasone. Of the patients age 40 years or younger, only 53% received autologous stem-cell transplant (ASCT) and 71.1% received maintenance. There were no differences in overall survival (OS) in the three patient cohorts. In the multivariate analysis, only high LDH, high cytogenetic risk, and ASCT were statistically associated with survival. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, younger patients with MM in Latin America have similar clinical characteristics, responses, and OS compared with the elderly.

Association Between Baseline Circulating Tumor Cells, Molecular Tumor Profiling, and Clinical Characteristics in a Large Cohort of Chemo-naïve Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients Prospectively Collected.

BACKGROUND: Clinicopathologic characteristics and prognostic and predictive factors offer valuable guidance when selecting optimal first-line treatment in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). The association between baseline circulating tumor cell (bCTC) count, molecular tumor profile, and clinicopathologic features was analyzed in a chemo-naïve metastatic CRC population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 1202 patients from the Spanish VISNÚ-1 (FOLFIRINOX/bevacizumab vs. FOLFOX/bevacizumab) and VISNÚ-2 (FOLFIRI/bevacizumab vs. FOLFIRI/cetuximab; RAS-wildtype) studies were analyzed for mutational status and bCTC count. The association between clinicopathologic characteristics and bCTC count, mutational status, and microsatellite instability (MSI) was analyzed in 589 eligible patients. RESULTS: Interestingly, 41% of the population studied presented ≥3 bCTC count. bCTC count ≥3 was associated with worse performance status (according Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group scale), stage IV at diagnosis, at least 3 metastatic sites, and elevated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels; but not with RAS or BRAF mutations or high MSI. BRAFmut (BRAF mutated) tumors were associated with right-sided primary tumors, peritoneum, distant lymph node metastasis, and less frequent liver involvement. RASmut (RAS mutated) was associated with worse performance status; stage IV at diagnosis; right-sided primary tumors; liver, lung, and bone metastases; at least 3 metastatic sites; and elevated CEA, whereas PIK3CAmut (PIK3CA mutated) tumors were associated with right-sided primary tumors, high CEA serum levels, and older age. High MSI was associated with right-sided primary tumors, distant lymph nodes metastasis, and lower CEA levels. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, elevated bCTCs and RASmut were associated with clinicopathologic features known to be associated with poor prognosis; whereas the poor prognosis of BRAFmut tumors in chemo-naïve metastatic CRC is not explained by associations with poor clinicopathologic prognostic factors, except right-sided primary tumors. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: VISNU 1 ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT01640405/ VISNU 2 ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT01640444.

Different outcomes for transplant-eligible newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients in Latin America according to the public versus private management: a GELAMM study.

The aim of this study was to describe clinical and survival characteristics of transplant-eligible multiple myeloma (MM) patients in Latin America (LA), with a special focus on differences between public and private healthcare facilities. We included 1293 patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2018. A great disparity in outcomes and survival between both groups was observed. Late diagnosis and low access to adequate frontline therapy and ASCT in public institutions probably explain these differences. Patients treated with novel drug induction protocols, followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) and maintenance, have similar overall survival compared to that published internationally.

Pilot Study of an Integrative New Tool for Studying Clinical Outcome Discrimination in Acute Leukemia.

Acute leukemia is a heterogeneous set of diseases affecting children and adults. Current prognostic factors are not accurate predictors of the clinical outcome of adult patients and the stratification of risk groups remains insufficient. For that reason, this study proposes a multifactorial analysis which integrates clinical parameters, ex vivo tumor characterization and behavioral in vivo analysis in zebrafish. This model represents a new approach to understand leukemic primary cells behavior and features associated with aggressiveness and metastatic potential. Xenotransplantation of primary samples from patients newly diagnosed with acute leukemia in zebrafish embryos at 48 hpf was used to asses survival rate, dissemination pattern, and metastatic potential. Seven samples from young adults classified in adverse, favorable or intermediate risk group were characterized. Tumor heterogeneity defined by Leukemic stem cell (LSC) proportion, was performed by metabolic and cell membrane biomarkers characterization. Thus, our work combines all these parameters with a robust quantification strategy that provides important information about leukemia biology, their relationship with specific niches and the existent inter and intra-tumor heterogeneity in acute leukemia. In regard to prognostic factors, leukemic stem cell proportion and Patient-derived xenografts (PDX) migration into zebrafish were the variables with highest weights for the prediction analysis. Higher ALDH activity, less differentiated cells and a broader and random migration pattern are related with worse clinical outcome after induction chemotherapy. This model also recapitulates multiple aspects of human acute leukemia and therefore is a promising tool to be employed not only for preclinical studies but also supposes a new tool with a higher resolution compared to traditional methods for an accurate stratification of patients into worse or favorable clinical outcome.

Multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment of mantle cell lymphoma Expert consensus • Asociación Colombiana de Hematología y Oncología (ACHO) / Diagnóstico y tratamiento multidisciplinario de linfoma de células del manto Consenso de expertos • Asociación Colombiana de Hematología y Oncología (ACHO)

Abstract Introduction: Among the sub-types of lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, or what was previously known as intermediate lymphocytic lymphoma, accounts for 3-10% of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Treatment is directed according to the patient's classification, age, functional status and comorbidities, and is directly related to the ability to receive intensive treatment or transplantation. It is important to homogenize treatments to offer the best alternatives in the Colombian context, as there are different diagnostic and therapeutic options today, most of which are financed by the Colombian healthcare system. Objective: To structure a series of considerations for the diagnosis and treatment of MCL within the Colombian context. Methods: A formal, mixed (Delphi/nominal) expert consensus was developed. The options for each question were scored in two masked rounds and an open nominal session. The information was consolidated in Excel and analyzed using STATA 13. Results: 25 considerations were developed for the diagnosis and treatment of MCL. Twenty-two specialists participated: 16 hematologists and hematologist-oncologists, four hematopathologists, one radiation therapist and one nuclear medicine specialist from Bogotá, Medellín and Cali, with an average of 10.5 years' of practical experience and who were members of the Asociación Colombiana de Hematología y Oncología [Colombian Association of Hematology and Oncology]. Conclusions: The consensus established 26 considerations for the diagnosis and treatment of MCL, according to the Colombian context, aimed at healthcare professionals with a direct relationship with this disease. It is expected that clinical management will be homogenized by a consideration of this consensus and the referenced literature. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 48. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2023.2606).

Resumen Introducción: Dentro de los subtipos de linfoma, el linfoma de células del manto o anteriormente denominado linfoma linfocítico intermedio corresponde a 3-10% de los linfoma no Hodgkin de células B. El tratamiento se enfoca según la clasificación del paciente, edad, estado funcional y comorbilidades, lo cual está directamente relacionado con la capacidad de recibir un tratamiento intensivo o trasplante. Es importante homogeneizar conductas con el fin de ofrecer las mejores alternativas bajo el contexto colombiano, pues actualmente existen diferentes opciones diagnósticas y terapéuticas, financiadas en su mayoría por el sistema de salud colombiano. Objetivo: Estructurar una serie de consideraciones para el diagnóstico y tratamiento para LCM, en el contexto colombiano. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un consenso formal de expertos, tipo mixto (Delphi/ Nominal). Se calificaron las opciones de cada pregunta en dos rondas enmascaradas y una sesión abierta nominal. La información fue consolidada en Excel y analizada en STATA 13. Resultados: Se elaboraron 25 consideraciones para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de LCM. Participaron 22 médicos especialistas: 16 hematólogos y hemato-oncólogos, cuatro hemato-patólogos, un radioterapeuta y un especialista en medicina nuclear de Bogotá, Medellín y Cali, con experticia en la práctica de 10.5 años en promedio y quienes forman parte de la Asociación Colombiana de Hematología y Oncología. Conclusiones: El consenso definió 26 consideraciones para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de LCM, según el contexto colombiano, dirigidas a profesionales de la salud con relación directa a esta patología. Se espera homogeneizar las conductas clínicas teniendo en cuenta este consenso y la literatura referida. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 48. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2023.2606).

Polyangiitis with granulomatosis as a paraneoplastic syndrome of B-cell lymphoma of the lacrimal gland.

Introduction. The clinical course of an autoimmune paraneoplastic syndrome parallels the natural history of the primary malignancy. In most cases, such paraneoplastic are syndromes hardly distinguishable from idiopathic autoimmune diseases. A case of polyangiitis with granulomatosis as a paraneoplastic syndrome in a patient with B-cell Lymphoma of the lacrimal gland has not yet been reported. Case Presentation. We present the case of a male patient with a B-cell Lymphoma of the lacrimal gland, who debuted with symptoms similar to rheumatoid arthritis and acute renal failure, secondary to polyangiitis with granulomatosis. The current pathophysiological hypotheses explaining the relationship between a lymphoproliferative disease and an autoimmune paraneoplastic disorder are discussed. Conclusion. Tumor-associated segmental necrotizing glomerulopathy is a very rare manifestation of glomerular diseases. Some atypical clinical features should increase the suspicion of an underlying tumor, in which case it is essential to treat the primary neoplasia, in order to control the autoimmune manifestations.

Biweekly XELOX (capecitabine and oxaliplatin) as first-line treatment in elderly patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The combination of oxaliplatin and oral capecitabine (XELOX) has shown to be an active regimen in metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC). However, the experience with XELOX in elderly patients is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of XELOX as first-line treatment in elderly patients with MCRC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients aged ≥70years with previously untreated MCRC received oxaliplatin 85mg/m(2) on day 1, every 2weeks plus capecitabine 1000mg/m(2) (or capecitabine 750mg/m(2) if creatinine clearance was 30-50mL/min) twice daily on days 1-7, every 2weeks. Treatment was continued until progression, intolerable toxicity, or for a maximum of 12cycles. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were enrolled. Median age was 78years (range, 70-83). Patients received a median of 11cycles of treatment. The objective response rate (ORR) was 49% and the tumor control rate was 86%. Median time to progression and overall survival were 8.6 (95% CI: 5.5-11.7) and 15.5 (95% CI: 9.6-21.3) months, respectively. Toxicities were generally mild to moderate. Major grade 1-2 toxicities were asthenia (40%), nausea (43%), and diarrhea (40%). No grade 4 toxicity was detected and grade 3 toxicities were reported in 17% of patients. There was no treatment-related death. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that the biweekly XELOX regimen represents an effective and tolerable first-line treatment option for elderly patients with MCRC.

Gemcitabine and capecitabine as third- or later-line therapy for refractory advanced colorectal cancer: a retrospective study.

AIM: To evaluate gemcitabine plus capecitabine as third-line or later-line therapy in patients with refractory advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) who maintain a good performance status (PS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated patients who had failed at least two lines of therapy or had contraindication to standard therapy and received gemcitabine (1,000 mg/m(2), d1 biweekly) plus capecitabine (1,700 mg/m(2)/day, d1-7 every two weeks) in a compassionate use program. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients were enrolled. The majority (85%) had ECOG PS 1. Gemcitabine plus capecitabine was administered as third- and fourth-line in 49% and 23% of patients, respectively; and as fifth-line or later-line in 28%. A clinical benefit of 21% was found. The median progression-free survival and overall survival were 3.0 and 7.3 months, respectively. Toxicity was mild to moderate, with no reported grade 4 toxicities. CONCLUSION: Gemcitabine plus capecitabine was safe and well-tolerated. While the efficacy of this regimen was modest in terms of response, the survival data were acceptable and consistent with previous publications on this setting.

The combined expression patterns of Ikaros isoforms characterize different hematological tumor subtypes.

A variety of genetic alterations are considered hallmarks of cancer development and progression. The Ikaros gene family, encoding for key transcription factors in hematopoietic development, provides several examples as genetic defects in these genes are associated with the development of different types of leukemia. However, the complex patterns of expression of isoforms in Ikaros family genes has prevented their use as clinical markers. In this study, we propose the use of the expression profiles of the Ikaros isoforms to classify various hematological tumor diseases. We have standardized a quantitative PCR protocol to estimate the expression levels of the Ikaros gene exons. Our analysis reveals that these levels are associated with specific types of leukemia and we have found differences in the levels of expression relative to five interexonic Ikaros regions for all diseases studied. In conclusion, our method has allowed us to precisely discriminate between B-ALL, CLL and MM cases. Differences between the groups of lymphoid and myeloid pathologies were also identified in the same way.

Descripción de las caracteristicas clínicas de las neoplasias mieloproliferativas crónicas (NMPC). Primer informe del registro colombiano de NMPC / Description of the clinical characteristics of chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). First report of the colombian registry of MPNs

Resumen Introducción y objetivos: las neoplasias mieloproliferativas crónicas (NMPC) son relativamente raras, con incidencias que varían entre 0.47-1.03/100 000 habitantes. Se presenta el primer informe del trabajo del registro colombiano de NMPC, cuyo objetivo es describir las características clínicas de estos pacientes en nuestro país. Material y métodos: estudio descriptivo observacional, multicéntrico, retrospectivo y prospectivo en ocho centros del país, de abril de 2013 a diciembre de 2014. Las variables cualitativas se presentan con frecuencias absolutas y relativas; y las cuantitativas se resumen en medidas de tendencia central y dispersión. Resultados: once centros fueron aprobados, ocho ingresaron pacientes. En los primeros 179 casos reportados, 50% eran hombres, la edad promedio al diagnóstico 58.7 años (rango 19-92). Noventa y tres muestran trombocitemia esencial (TE); 55, policitemia vera (PV); y 31, mielofibrosis (MF). El 41% tenía esplenomegalia al diagnóstico; el 20% tuvo complicaciones trombóticas; y 12.85%, sangrado. Sólo en 57.5% se realizó JAK; de ellos, en 53.5% fue positivo, en especial sólo 60% de las PV. El 8% de los casos no tenía estudio de médula ósea, el 29.3% tiene algún grado de fibrosis. El hallazgo más frecuente fue hiperplasia megacariocítica en 59.78%. Más de 50% de pacientes estaban sintomáticos al diagnóstico. Sólo el 11% no recibió tratamiento farmacológico; los más frecuentes fueron hidroxiurea en 149 casos y ASA en 79. Con promedio de seguimiento de 52.6 meses; el 97.21% de los pacientes están vivos. Conclusiones: los hallazgos sugieren que algunas características de las NMPC podrían ser diferentes a lo reportado en otras series, lo que valida la importancia del esfuerzo de recoger información local.

Abstract Introduction and objectives: chronic MPNs are relatively rare, with incidences varying between 0.47-1.03 / 100 000 inhabitants. The first report of the work of the Colombian registry of chronic MPNs, whose objective is to describe the clinical characteristics of these patients in our country, is presented. Materials and methods: descriptive observational, multicenter, retrospective and prospective study in eight centers of the country, from April 2013 to December 2014. Qualitative variables are presented with absolute and relative frequencies, and the quantitative ones are summarized in measures of central tendency and dispersion. Results: eleven centers were approved; 8 admitted patients. In the first 179 cases reported, 50% were men; the average age at diagnosis was 58.7 years (range 19-92). Ninety-three present essential thrombocythemia (ET); 55, polycythemia vera (PV); and 31, myelofibrosis (MF). 41% had splenomegaly at diagnosis; 20% had thrombotic complications, and 12.85%, bleeding. JAK was performed in only 57.5%. Of them, in 53.5% was positive, especially in only 60% of the PV. 8% of the cases had no bone marrow study; 29.3% had some degree of fibrosis. The most frequent finding was megakaryocytic hyperplasia in 59.78%. More than 50% of patients were symptomatic at diagnosis. Only 11% did not receive pharmacological treatment, being the most frequent hydroxyurea in 149 cases and ASA in 79, with an average follow-up of 52.6 months. 97.21% of patients are alive. Conclusions: the findings suggest that some characteristics of chronic MPNs could be different from those reported in other series, which validates the importance of the effort to collect local information.

Total mercury in canned yellowfin tuna Thunnus albacares marketed in northwest Mexico.

Mercury (Hg) was determined in Thunnus albacares canned in oil (from 7 to 10 samples per brand) and water (from 5 to 10 samples per brand) of five leading brands in Mexico in 2008. Potential health risk was estimated on the basis of Hg concentration and rate (1.43 kg year(-1)per capita) of tuna consumption in Mexico. Highest Hg concentrations were 0.51 ± 0.26 and 0.40 ± 0.24 µ gg(-1) dry weight in water and oil, respectively. Averaged Hg concentrations in tuna canned in water in the current study were comparable to values in Katsuwonus pelamis from Alabama; regarding the oil presentation, Hg levels were lower than in canned tuna collected in Mexico and comparable to values in canned tuna (species not identified) from Turkey. Hazard quotients were 0.0166 and 0.012 in water and oil, respectively. For the analyzed brands and considering tuna consumption in Mexican population, reference dose for this element was not exceeded; therefore, no human health risk is likely to occur. More work is necessary in relation to exposure to Hg from other sources, rates of consumption in strata of population with elevated fish consumption, size of canned tuna and on the role of Se against Hg toxicity.

Guía de práctica clínica para el tratamiento de la leucemia linfocítica crónica: guía para profesionales de la salud / Clinical practice guideline for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a guide for health care professionals

La leucemia linfocítica crónica (LLC) es una neoplasia caracterizada por la proliferación y acumulación clonal de células B maduras, que típicamente co-expresan los antígenos de superficie CD5 ­ CD23, dentro de la sangre, la médula ósea, los ganglios linfáticos, el bazo y otros tejidos . Esta patología es considerada el tipo de leucemia más común en personas adultas en países occidentales, y se considera una enfermedad de adultos mayores, con una mediana de edad al diagnóstico de 70 años .

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a neoplasm characterized by the proliferation and clonal accumulation of mature B cells, which typically co-express the CD5 - CD23 surface antigens, within the blood, bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen and other tissues. This pathology is considered the most common type of leukemia in adults in Western countries, and is considered a disease of older adults, with a median age at diagnosis of 70 years.

Guía de práctica clínica para el tratamiento de la leucemia linfocítica crónica / Clinical practice guideline for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia

La guía está dirigida al personal clínico asistencial especializado que brinda tratamiento a los pacientes con diagnóstico de LLC, en el contexto del SGSSS colombiano. Incluye a los siguientes profesionales potenciales: Hematólogos y Hematólogos-oncólogos. También está dirigida a los centros asistenciales que brindan cuidado a los pacientes con diagnóstico de LLC y a quienes toman decisiones administrativas, tanto en el medio hospitalario como en las aseguradoras, pagadores del gasto en la salud y en la generación de políticas de salud. Finalmente, las recomendaciones pueden ser de interés para pacientes con LLC, sus familiares y cuidadores. Se considera pertinente aclarar que la guía ofrecerá recomendaciones específicas frente a las preguntas definidas, y excede el alcance de esta, definir las competencias profesionales del equipo involucrado en el manejo de esta patología.

The guide is aimed at specialized clinical care personnel who provide treatment to patients diagnosed with CLL, in the context of the Colombian SGSSS. It includes the following potential professionals: hematologists and hematologist-oncologists. It is also addressed to health care centers that provide care to patients diagnosed with CLL and to administrative decision makers, both in the hospital environment and in the insurance companies, health care payers and health policy makers. Finally, the recommendations may be of interest to CLL patients, their families and caregivers. It is considered pertinent to clarify that the guide will offer specific recommendations in response to the questions defined, and it is beyond the scope of this guide to define the professional competencies of the team involved in the management of this pathology.

Alteración de la marcha en un paciente post-trasplante hepático / Gait disturbance after hepatic trasplantation

Los síndromes linfoproliferativos postrasplante (PTLD, por sus siglas en inglés) constituyen una complicación relativamente frecuente entre los receptores de trasplante de órgano sólido o de médula ósea. Representan un amplio espectro de lesiones, que oscilan desde los cambios histológicos tempranos producidos por la infección del virus de Epstein-Barr hasta las neoplasias de alto grado con respuestas variables a las intervenciones terapéuticas. El compromiso del sistema nervioso central (SNC) se ha descrito hasta en 22% de los casos, 12% de ellos en forma primaria, asociados a un peor pronóstico; en general el abordaje diagnóstico y terapéutico no está estandarizado, en parte, debido a la limitación fisiológica que implica la barrera hematoencefálica. El tratamiento tiene opciones limitadas; se acepta el uso de metotrexate a altas dosis o de rituximab intravenoso o intratecal. A continuación, se presenta el caso de un hombre de 76 años, receptor de un trasplante hepático por hemocromatosis, quien a los 6 años postrasplante consulta por alteración de la marcha. Tras documentar una lesión intra-axial, la biopsia por estereotaxia documenta un PTLD tardío, primario con lesión única en SNC. Después de la reducción inicial de la inmunosupresión, el tratamiento con rituximab y metotrexate intravenosos a altas dosis durante cinco ciclos, se logró respuesta parcial en este paciente, con toxicidad renal leve.